What Are Some Activities I Should Avoid While Pregnant?

What Are Some Activities I Should Avoid While Pregnant?

Article
Bone, Muscle, & Joint
Health & Wellness
+1
Contributed byMaulik P. Purohit MD MPHNov 06, 2018

A pregnant woman may not be able to continue some of her normal physical activities, especially when she is into advanced stages of pregnancy. This is mainly to avoid harm to the baby in the womb and to the mother-to-be. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) say that any activity performed above 6000 feet has to be curtailed during pregnancy, as oxygen level is less and can cause problems for both the prospective mother and for the fetus. The body undergoes immense physiological changes while you are pregnant and certain lifestyle changes are essential to keep you and your baby safe.

What physical activities must be avoided during pregnancy?

Some strenuous physical activities have to be avoided at any cost during pregnancy. These may include:

  • Contact sports like basketball, hockey, and soccer, have to be avoided. Injury may occur while trying to pass on the ball and chances of falling or getting hit are high.
  • Bicycling is a strict no-no, unless you are in the sport or have regular practice of bicycling before pregnancy. Once you shift into your third trimester it is best to stop cycling.
  • Bumpy rides, water slides, and the lot at amusement parks have to be avoided at any cost, as the sudden landing or jerky motion can injure the baby
  • Soaking in hot tubes or Jacuzzis is not recommended as it causes overheating and can result in birth defects
  • Water sports like scuba diving, surfing, and skiing, are not advised as chances of air bubbles getting into your bloodstream while surfacing from water is high
  • It is best to refrain from gymnastics and horse riding as risk of falling is high

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends pregnant women to avoid lying on their back for long as it can decrease blood flow to the baby. They instead advise to lie on their sides and recommend many other standing and sitting exercises too. Each woman is different in terms of physiology and psychology; but exercising (within certain limits) is good for the developing baby.

What type of physical activities help during pregnancy?

There are some activities to stay away from while you are pregnant. Do not overwork, but make sure you breathe deeper. 30 minutes of moderate exercise is suggested every day. Only your healthcare provider can suggest what is best for you.

  • Do not undertake rigorous exercise while pregnant, but at the same time being a couch potato can also lead to pregnancy complications. Moderate exercise is suggested to keep the body fit for labor.
  • Strengthening and flexibility exercise can prevent backaches, hip and joint pain. It can also reduce bloating and swelling that is common during the first trimester.
  • Limited physical activity can make you feel energetic and keep your mood upbeat.
  • Light cardiovascular activity can improve blood flow and keep your muscles stronger.
  • Try low-risk activities like walking, yoga, and riding a static-cycle
  • Cardiovascular activities that are non-weight bearing, like swimming, cycling and walking can be carried out. Aerobic exercises are also low impact, but they should not be performed for a long time.

Pregnant women must stop exercising when they experience signs of fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling, back pain, numbness, rapid heartbeat and nausea. Never exercise while you have vaginal bleeding or contractions. Women with chronic heart disease, blood clots, preterm rupture of membranes, hypertension, bleeding, thyroid disease, pulmonary disease, incompetent cervix and intrauterine growth retardation are advised to avoid many forms of exercise.

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Maulik P. Purohit MD MPH

Assistant Medical Director, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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